ISLAMABAD:
A Senate committee on Tuesday called for stricter oversight of drug prices and a standardized, internationally aligned medical admissions system, warning that uncontrolled costs and flawed criteria are driving students overseas and draining nearly $800 million in foreign exchange each year.
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, addressed rising pharmaceutical prices and medical training standards, with lawmakers calling for immediate corrective measures in both sectors.
Senator Rubina Khalid has expressed concern over the high prices of pharmaceutical products in the market. The DRAP CEO briefed the committee on the pricing mechanism and pledged to provide a detailed report within the next 14 days.
He further informed that a survey covering 50% of the pharmaceutical products available in the market would be conducted. The committee chair agreed with the concerns raised by the member and directed that a full report be presented at the next meeting.
The committee was also briefed about the criteria for entrance tests into medical and dental colleges in various Asian countries. The President directed that international criteria be followed in this regard.
The Federal Minister for NHSR&C observed that in some foreign countries, even students who failed the FA level manage to gain admission in medical institutions. He further noted that less than 1% of foreign graduates are able to pass the NRE exam. He stressed the need to raise awareness that not everyone can practice a medical profession.
The PMDC chairman informed the committee that last year, some seats remained vacant and were filled according to a certain formula.
The committee chairman recommended that the ministry fill vacant MBBS and BDS seats this year, including those yet to be filled so far, using the same formula applied last year.
The committee also expressed concern about the increase in the number of seats in certain institutions.
The minister explained that the increase in places in specific specialties is envisaged to respond to the trend of students seeking medical training abroad.
He further informed that a cap has been imposed for increase in seats for three years, under which no college will be allowed to increase its number of admissions.
The Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Co-ordination (NHSR&C) informed the committee that after prolonged efforts, the Nursing Council Act has now been put in place and elections for the President and Deputy President have taken place.
The President recognized and appreciated the efforts of the Minister in this regard.
The committee chairman observed that a significant number of students continue to seek education in various Asian countries, emphasizing that they should instead be accommodated in Pakistan in PMDC recognized institutions.
He called for an increase in the number of government seats and stressed the need to strengthen public and private colleges to provide quality education at the grassroots level, thereby saving foreign exchange.
Highlighting the financial impact, the minister noted that this outflow of students results in an annual foreign exchange loss of around $800 million.
